Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience check out here at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated another source further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .